Only Mbappé Outpaces Osimhen In UCL Speed Rankings

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been ranked second only to Kylian Mbappé in distance covered at speeds below 7 km/h among centre-forwards still active in this season’s UEFA Champions League.

The latest data from the CIES Football Observatory analyzed running metrics of players whose clubs remain in the competition, highlighting both maximum sprint speeds and the proportion of distance covered at various speed ranges.

Mbappé, representing Real Madrid, recorded 43.5 percent of his total distance at speeds below 7 km/h, the highest among the 100 players assessed. Osimhen, playing for Galatasaray, followed closely with 41.9 percent. The statistics reflect periods of controlled play, including positioning and link-up involvement, rather than sprint performance alone.

In terms of maximum speed, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon topped the overall rankings with a peak of 37.92 km/h. Among strikers, Mbappé led with 35.67 km/h, while Osimhen reached 33.45 km/h, placing him 11th among centre-forwards. His performance surpasses notable attackers such as Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Atlético Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth, and Olympiacos’ Ayoub El Kaabi.

Osimhen has contributed six goals and two assists in seven Champions League appearances this season, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most influential forwards.